“Patrick Murphy has been ducking debates since he first ran for Congress, deciding that it’s better to make excuses and hide from voters. Murphy thinks he deserves to be elected without addressing the issues in front of Floridians, and that just doesn’t work. After years of being ranked one of the least effective members of Congress, it’s no wonder Murphy is scared to debate Marco.” – Michael Ahrens, Rubio spokesman
Yesterday, Marco challenged Murphy to six debates
Politico: “Rubio challenges Murphy to six debates, including one on Spanish TV.” “Hours after a dominating primary win, Sen. Marco Rubio sent a Wednesday morning challenge to U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy: face off in six live televised debates, including one on Spanish-language TV. ‘In 2010, all three candidates for the U.S. Senate — Kendrick Meek, Charlie Crist and myself — agreed that Floridians deserved a discussion and debate about the future of our state and nation that went beyond 30-second ads and TV news soundbites,’ Rubio wrote Murphy in a letter emailed to the Democrat’s campaign Wednesday morning. ‘To that end, we all agreed to a series of live televised debates — six in all — hosted by various media outlets.’” (Marc Caputo, “Rubio challenges Murphy to six debates, including one on Spanish TV,” Politico, 8/31/16)
In the Democratic primary, Murphy was criticized for pulling out of a scheduled debate with Alan Grayson
Sun Sentinel: “Democratic Senate candidates hurl charges, but won’t debate before primary.” (Sun Sentinel, 8/3/16)
Politico FL: “Murphy’s decision effectively undercuts the Aug. 12 WFTV-9 televised debate that his campaign had agreed to.” “Murphy’s decision effectively undercuts the Aug. 12 WFTV-9 televised debate that his campaign had agreed to. He previously refused to debate Grayson and little-known political newcomer Pam Keith on radio. Orlando-based WFTV-9 said in a statement that they were ‘extremely disappointed’ with Murphy’s decision to back out of debating Grayson on their television station in prime-time. ‘The debate was the only one scheduled between the two leading Democratic candidates for the critically important U.S. Senate seat before the August 30th primary,’ said the station statement. ‘Ultimately, the voters of Florida are the big losers here as they will be deprived the chance to hear Mr. Murphy and Mr. Grayson share their vision of Florida’s future.’” (Politico, 8/3/16)
In the Democratic primary, Murphy was criticized for pulling out of a scheduled debate with Alan Grayson
Weak. Translation: Patrick Murphy is scared to debate Alan Grayson. https://t.co/nB5bGw4YvS
— Adam Smith (@adamsmithtimes) August 3, 2016
If you’re @PatrickMurphyFL, seems like the best way to call out @AlanGrayson on abuse allegations would be during a televised debate, no?
— Patricia Mazzei (@PatriciaMazzei) August 3, 2016
.@WFTV: @PatrickMurphyFL‘s decision to back out of debate means “voters of Florida are the big losers here.” #FLsen pic.twitter.com/RU0FCYnsrr
— Kristen M. Clark (@ByKristenMClark) August 3, 2016
Palm Beach Post: “Democrat Murphy, GOP challenger Domino agree on two congressional debates; Domino wants more.” “U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, and Republican challenger Carl Domino have agreed to two debates in their campaign for the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast District 18 seat — but the Domino camp wants at least one more.” (Palm Beach Post, 9/19/14)
In 2012, Murphy also ducked several debates against Allen West
After being challenged to four debates, Murphy only participated in one debate against Allen West. “‘They put forward some dates. We put forward some dates, and these seem like the only dates that worked for both of us,’ Murphy campaign manager Anthony Kusich said. The West campaign blamed Murphy for the lack of more debates. ‘Unfortunately Murphy ran from debates; attacked groups like the Northern Palm Beach Chamber for offering to host a debate; demanded debates without rebuttals, which isn’t even possible; and then finally, under public pressure, agreed to only one debate,’ West campaign manager Tim Edson said.” (TC Palm, 10/13/12.)
The post Murphy’s Long History of Ducking Debates appeared first on Marco Rubio for Senate.